Twilight's Travels In The Multiverse

After the huge battle at the guardian tree, Twilight spent time training at the conjurer's guild where she met and ultimately became a teacher for a precocious child named Sophia, on a well intended but ultimately doomed path with her magic. And Esumiyan the guild master, it didn't take long for her to learn everything, and gained a White mage soul crystal. She asked Esumiyan to meet her in private in the central shroud.

"Okay, Twilight what did you need to talk about? That requires privacy."

"I am sure you've noticed by now I never absorb aether or have a huge aether capacity?"

"Indeed, I have, though I do see you casting properly when you do. So it's not the same as Sophia."

"You are correct, I refuse to take in aether, the natural way. Because if I do I will quickly deplete the land of aether. So instead I consume aether crystals or ether potions instead. I don't understand why my body consumes so much aether but I figure you might. So I am going to reveal my true self. I ask that you do not fear me or turn hostile as I mean you no harm?"

"True form? Aren't you Mi'qote?"

"My body is but my soul is not, I am not a native of Hydaelyn."

Twilight transformed into her dragon form, causing Esumiyan suprise as he backed up to get a better look, Twilight then explained her life up until that point. How she felt more dragon than unicorn, how she was betrayed, and the worlds she had been before. How she was worshipped as a goddess.

"Wait! You're the dragon who fought Bahamut!?"

"Yes, I am"

"and you say you ate parts of him?"

"Yes," Twilight responded wondering where this was going.

"Bahamut at least the one sealed in dalamud was an elder primal, Primals are constructs of concentrated aether made manifest by the will of the summoner in the form of legendary figures or mythical creatures. Due to the nature of their existence, a primal must consume aether from its surroundings, thus becoming a threat to the world of Hydaelyn.

While usually an embodiment of the summoner's desire, there are cases where the summoner transforms into a primal. A primal can also be summoned into a structure or be created in the image of their namesake. Once summoned, primals can "temper" other beings, instilling fanatical loyalty and creating a secure wellspring of faith. Usually this is an intentional process, but some primals (such as Ramuh) have shown distaste for it, implying it is a natural byproduct of their existence. While those gifted with the Echo are immune, their soul's aether may still be consumed by a nearby primal if they ever lose their mortal form.

My current theory is that your inherent aether capacity, plus consumption of a primal similar to your true form while washed in the primal version of the twelve gods aether turned you into a primal near as I can tell your self confidence and physical form provide a stable anchor. You need to be careful as primals feed on aether, and a soul is comprised of it. Also try not to temper people, I know it may happen against your will but you have to try."

Twilight looked at herself, "I am a primal?"

"It seems that way, however we should give your true form a new name as a primal and perhaps a more pleasing form, dragons aren't the most... how should I say this delicately, liked creatures."

"Bah, I know that, it's fine. You don't need to tread eggshells with me. Let's go with the next best thing then this is going to require editing my soul so keep watch over me, that I don't do something regrettable."

As Twilight looked inward and began messing with her soul under Esumiyan's watchful eye, her body shifted, her metallic scales fell off as a more humanoid figure appeared but still easily dwarfing Esumiyan, her old wings fell off replaced with feathered white wings, her chest filled with a pair of huge breasts, her pale skin was covered in Lavender fur, her tail was now long and fluffy split into nine new tails just as fluffy and her fox ears were large, pointed and fluffy. Her face remained slightly humanoid with a short fox snout. her hair was golden yellow. A flowing mini dress Miko outfit with silver accents and, it had a crimson pleated mini skirt. It covered her body sufficiently for decency. Her eyes were a combination of the best traits of cat, fox and human. Her feet were human like that is to say, plantigrade and she had three pairs of arms now. All her limbs had sharp hooked claws.

"My new primal name is Tenko, What do you think?

"...I-I was distracted momentarily," he coughed and looked away with a blush forming. Gulping he turned to examine her, "you are quite beautiful, a primal most would worship willingly I'd say."

"Thank you, tell me Esumiyan is there an aether rich environment I can take advantage of specifically ones that are barren?"

"The only ones that come to mind is Cartenaux and Mor dhona. Mor Dhona being the worst as it was corrupted as well."

"I have a proposal, one of my spells I knew before needs to be jury rigged for the current magic here but once done, I believe I can fix Mor Dhona. But I require the area temporarily evacuated and any important areas outlined so I avoid messing people's work or homes up."

"Well, we can do all that but what do you mean to do?"

"Absorb all aether in all its forms and then redistribute it into creating new life and clean Aether."

"We have to discuss this with the leaders of the Eorzean alliance and the adventurer's guild, Rowena's house of splendors and sons of Saint Connacht's find. After the festival should be best to put it into action."

"Very well, let us retire for the morning, I hear you will be required to do a ceremony. Good luck."

Having returned to her Mi'qote form Twilight returned to Gridania with Esumiyan and parted ways with him. She is informed by a gods quiver bow woman as she was about to pass them, "Ah! Lady Twilight, Bow Lord Levin wishes to speak with you." Gods quiver bow bowed and left having delivered the message.

Twilight promptly teleported to the archery guild and entered the guild proper and then entered Lewin's office.

Sitting in his seat Lewin looked up as he saw Twilight, he became more animated.

"None in Gridania can doubt your worth, Twilight…
But to receive such praise from the Elder Seedseer herself!
And nor is that the half of it! She chose you to play the role of Emissary, for gods' sakes! You! An outsider! Do you have any idea what this means!?"

Lewin sighed, "But of course you don't. You are not forestborn...which is rather the point. Mistake me not, I think you worthy, but your selection is all but unprecedented. And I'll wager you have not the faintest inkling what is required of you...

"Wouldn't be the first time and as likely as not the last either." Supplied

"There are preparations that the Emissary must needs complete ahead of time. I suggest you consult Miounne regarding the matter─she is overseeing the arrangements for the event.
Now, you had best get going─the ceremony cannot commence without the Emissary.
Oh, and, Twilight...don't make a hash of this!"

"Well, well, if it isn't the Emissary himself! Had I known you were coming, I would have baked a pie!

You truly are full of surprises, Twilight. Next you'll be telling me you're one of the Warriors of Light, back from a half-decade long holiday!" Mother Miounne exclaimed

You have no idea

"But let's speak of preparations. As you doubtless already know, Greenbliss is an age-old ceremony for strengthening the bond between man and elemental. These days, though, the name also refers to the festival at large.

In the ceremony, the Emissary serves as a conduit─a bridge between the people and the guardians of the Twelveswood. Suffice it to say, it is no small responsibility─nor does the Elder Seedseer choose mankind's representative on a whim.

Seldom in history have non-forestborn been chosen for the role─which should give you an idea of the magnitude of the honor being accorded you.

For your part, you are required to wear a ceremonial artifact, which is presently in the keeping of Timbermaster Beatin.
Go to the Carpenters' Guild and collect it from the man, then return to me for further instructions." Miounne explained.

Twilight made her way out of the guild and into the aetheryte plaza and into the carpenters guild to the south before the river bridge.

"So you are the Emissary-to-be. Miounne sent word that you would be coming to collect the ceremonial artifact.
The good news is that it's ready─painstakingly crafted by these very hands, and from the rarest of materials.
Take it, along with this warning: get so much as a scratch on the thing, and I shall make an unceremonial artifact out of you." Beatin threatened

Slightly dazed by the sudden hostility Twilight returned to Miounne

"Back from your trip to the Carpenters' Guild? Let's see what you have in that box.
Ahhh...this is by far the finest Monoa mask I have ever laid eyes upon. The timbermaster has truly outdone himself this time.
In case he didn't mention, the mask is crafted from consecrated lumber rendered up by the Guardian Tree, solely for use in the ceremony. In other words, it is priceless─Mother bids you to handle it with care.
And with that, your preparations are complete. The venue should just about be in order as well. If you have any questions, now's the time to ask them."

"Now that you have the Monoa mask, all that's left is to participate in the ceremony.
Perchance you are feeling nervous, but never fear─despite all the pomp surrounding the role, there really is nothing to being Emissary.
All you are required to do is wear the mask, stand up straight, and look dignified. The more involved aspects of the proceedings will be handled by others. Simple, no?"

"Sounds simple enough,"

"The ceremony will be held at Mih Khetto's Amphitheatre. When you are ready, make yourself known to the caretaker there─a woman named Estaine.
Oh, and be sure to wear your mask or she may not recognize you. Now, off you go, Twilight, and good luck!"

Waving to the proprietress, Twilight left, mask affixed to her face. She traveled to Old Gridania and Mih Khetto's Amphitheatre a place she passed when she goes to the conjurer's guild.

A lady standing by the gate wearing simple clothes called to her.
"Ah, you must be the Emissary." Estaine asked

"In the flesh," Twilight quipped.

"I see you have come prepared. That is well.
I have been instructed to escort you to your place. Please follow me."

Kan-E-Senna, a tall Hyuran woman with white horns a white laurel crown her long blond hair tied back. She was wearing a white fur lined white robe and carrying a white staff, she walks into the Mih Khetto’s Amphitheatre filled with an audience, the Emmissary Twilight followed behind her. Yda, Papalymo and Kuplu Kopo were there to witness the ceremony

"May she find favor with the elementals!"

Twilight begins to glow, she pulled out the light crystal.

Taken aback Kan-E-Senna asked, "This radiance...Could it be...a Crystal of Light?"

"Yes, it is,"

"Tell me true─has the Mothercrystal revealed Herself to you? Did you bask in Her light?"

"I wouldn't say bask more like dragged there and Hydaelyn begged me to save the world in the most vague and obtuse way possible."

"Have you perchance experienced sensations akin to aether sickness of late?"

"On my trip here I did,"

"That Hydaelyn would speak directly to this woman… There once were dauntless adventurers who fought in the name of Eorzea."

"So I hear often,"

"When the primals threatened to bleed the land dry, these brave men and women rose to face them. When the Garlean Empire resumed its war of conquest, they rushed to the realm's defense."

"And when it was foretold that Dalamud would fall, they fought with all their strength to deliver us from a certain doom.

Yet as strong and as brave as they were, they─like so many─disappeared amidst the flames at Carteneau. Even the lavender dragon who aided us by holding Bahamut at bay."

"None have forgotten the heroes who gave all for the sake of a realm not their own.
Yet when we try to recall their names, we find the pages of our memories are blank, as if bleached by the sun. And when we try to recall their faces, we see them only in silhouette, as if they stood betwixt us and a blinding glare.

Hence have these heroes come to be known as the Warriors of Light.
Beholding you, illuminated by the glow of the Crystal, I could not help but be reminded of them.

The Crystal has chosen you for a purpose.

"I just told you what it was."

"Trust yourself to its guiding light, and all shall be revealed to you in good time.

Though none can say for certain what the future will bring, it is my belief that you may yet play a telling role in the tale of this great realm.
...For the power of the Echo resides within you." Kan-E-Senna finished as a vision engulfed Twilight's senses.

A giant bronze skinned man in thick black leather armour with black hair braided and pulled back into a ponytail, stood with Kan-E-Senna and another seawolf roegadyn woman wearing pants and an admirals uniform with slicked back grey hair.

"Flames, to the fore! Victory belongs to the bold! Show those imperial whoresons what we're made of!" Rhauban ordered vigorously
"The left flank buckles! Divert the Barracudas!" Merlwyb ordered
"Bid 'em hold that position though it cost 'em their lives!" She demanded

"The Yellow Serpents are in need of succor. Pray send the White Wolves to their aid." Kan-E-Senna said

"The adventurers risk life and limb for our cause. We must not fail them." Kan-E-Senna she added

Kan-E-Senna discovered sensed and saw silhouette on the far mountain behind her
"Is aught amiss?"

"There is much amiss," Twilight groaned

"No... It is nothing." Kan-E-Senna

A cannon strikes the group and blocked by the barrier
"The barrier won't go down so easily! Eyes forward!" Raubahn roared
"We are being watched…" Kan-E-Senna intoned

Does she mean me, Harmony or that creepy guy?

After Bahamut’s unleashed
"Raging Bull calling Blood Thorn! Blood Thorn, respond! Respond, damn you! Arrrgh!!!" Raubahn slammed his fist onto the table.

Suddenly a linkpearl rings
"Raging Bull! This is Mad Snake! Respond!"
"Ryder!? This is Raging Bull! What news!?"

"We're surrounded by a blaze! There's no way out! Gods preserve, what is that thing!?"

"What's going on!? Speak to me!"

"Godsdammit! We cannot hold much longer!"
"AaaaaaAAAAAAAAAH!!!"

"Mad Snake!? Mad Snaaaaaake! Answer me!
Damn it! Damn it all to the seventh hell!"

There are seven hell's here?

"What of the Barracudas? Can they not be reached?" Merlwyb inquired
"Sorry, Admiral─shell's not workin'!" Storm Runner shouted
"What of our own?" Kan-E-Senna asked
"I cannot say, my lady! That monstrosity appears to be disrupting our communications!" Serpent Runner "We must keep trying. Call till they respond." Kan-E-Senna ordered
"Yes, my lady!" Serpent Runner responded
"Admiral, General─we can do no more. We must give the order to withdraw." Kan-E-Senna
"I will not forsake Louisoix!" Raubahn rebuked her
"General, please! Victory may belong to the bold, but there will be no victor this day!
You know this to be true. Let us not sacrifice lives in vain. The adventurers fight bravely, but to no avail. Let them withdraw, and let us be the ones to stand with Louisoix." Kan-E-Senna implored
"Belay previous orders! All Maelstrom units are commanded to fall back, effective immediately!
Give the Foreign Levy priority! Let the main host cover their retreat, and bring up the rear! Merlwyb ordered.
"Damn it... Relay the order: all Flames are to withdraw. I don't care if our linkshells are useless!
You still have a working pair of legs, don't you!?Well, use 'em, you bloody half-wit!" Raubahn ordered

Ah a man after my own heart

"The outcome of this battle was long since decided. Better to retreat now, than risk a massacre. This dark, stifling presence... Who...or what. We go to take our place beside Archon Louisoix! To your positions!" Kan-E-Senna

[On the Mountain]
???: That I should live to behold Bahamut once more...
???: Magnificent. The aeons of imprisonment have only made him hungrier.
???: I am aware of them. Pay them no mind. They are powerless to act.
???: It has begun. Soon the planet will regain its true form.
???: Ahahaha... Ahahahahaha!

The vision ended

"Ah! Look who's back in the land of the living!
Hm? You mean to say you don't remember a thing? You collapsed in the middle of the ceremony─gave us all a good fright. So we carried you back here. I must say, you're heavier than you look!" Mother Miounne explained

"Hey!" Twilight blushed at that last part

"You've hardly stopped of late─your exertions must have caught up with you."

"Nothing so bland took me, it was a Vision of cartenaeu."

" Really? Huh, but you adventurers are nothing if not resilient! Seeing as the worst is past, I shall take my leave and return to my duties.
Oh, I almost forgot─the Elder Seedseer told me she'd like to see you when you felt well enough.
The gentle soul was almost as worried about you as I was, bless her. When you're back on your feet, be sure and visit her at the Lotus Stand."

"Sure, I shan't keep her worried."

Twilight made her way towards the conjurer's guild, where she moved to a silent conjurer person.

"Ah, you are Twilight Sparkle, are you not? I bid you welcome, Miss. The Elder Seedseer left word that you would be joining her at the Lotus Stand. May I show you in?

"Yes you may,"

"I have looked forward to your coming, Twilight. But tell me, are you recovered?" Kan-E-Senna asked

"I am recovered, not that it was actually an issue, I just had a vision of Cartenaeu."

"I am most glad of that. Now, I hope you will not doubt the earnestness of my concern...but I would ask a favor of you. Nor can I deny that I summoned you here in part with this in mind. Know, however, that I proceed only upon the understanding that you are rested and well."

"Please continue, I am no wilting wallflower."

Kan-E-Senna smiled, "Thank you for hearing me out. I have written a letter to my counterparts in the Eorzean Alliance.
The Battle of Carteneau and the Calamity that followed claimed countless souls, and left countless more bereft and alone. In the dark days that followed, many were the survivors who thought themselves less fortunate than the dead.

Five years have come and gone, but the land and the people still bear the wounds of the devastation." Kan-E-Senna frowned

"Nor are we any closer to learning the fate of the Warriors of Light. Yet so long as we live, never must we give up hope. We owe this to those who laid down their lives that we might behold another dawn.

In remembrance of them, a memorial service will soon be held upon the anniversary of the Battle of Carteneau. This missive bears the details of that service.

You graciously accepted the part of Emissary in the recent ceremony.
Should you be so willing, I would now make you my envoy, and have you bear my message to our allies."

"Okay, it will give me a good look at the other nations."

"Your dedication to the people of Gridania rouses fond memories in me, and I would choose no other for the role. Will you do me this favor?

"Sure,"

Kan-E-Senna bowed, "Humbly, I thank you.
As you are no doubt aware, our partners in the Eorzean Alliance lie some considerable distance away. Nor are Ul'dah and Limsa Lominsa close to one another. Yet fear not, for I have no intention of subjecting you, mine own newly anointed envoy, to a journey which would take weeks by land.

No, I mean for you to travel by air. Receive of me this airship pass. With it, you may make use of the skyways that connect the three city-states of the alliance."

Wait, they have air travel already?

"The airship landing is situated upon the lower floor of the Carline Canopy. Simply show your pass, and you will be admitted to the departure area. Before you embark upon your journey, however, you would do well to seek the worldly wisdom of Miounne. Few forestborn Gridanians know more of the lands beyond the Twelveswood than she.

In better times, airships were available for the convenience of one and all. Alas, the risk that our crafts may fall to imperial attack has forced a reduction in the number of flights.

Consequently, it has become necessary to restrict air travel only to those whose need is great. Such individuals may petition the relevant parties to be issued an airship pass. As you may have deduced, I myself am one such party.

...Yet I was not alone in desiring that you be granted the privilege of air travel.

Such is the potential you show.
We have no doubt but that you will reward our faith in you, Twilight. By the power vested in me, I bid you journey forth as my envoy into the great realm of Eorzea." Kan-E-Senna said with a smile.

Kan-E-Senna spread her arms, "Walk her fields, brave her seas, and strive to know her better.
And wheresoever you go, go without fear, for the path shall ever be revealed to those who are true of heart.
Guided by the Crystal's light, set forth, and discover your destiny."

Twilight bowed having taken the missive for the nations. Of ul'dah and Limsa lominsa.

"'Tis good to see you up and about again, Twilight. Tell me, did you pay the Elder Seedseer a visit as I bade? Appointed personal envoy!?
And now you are to bear the Elder Seedseer's missive to our allies...

Well! It seems you've made an impression on the great woman! I can't argue with her judgment, though. You've earned this honor with tireless hard work, and anyone who says you don't deserve it had better not do so in my hearing!

I find myself praising you often of late, but Mother is truly proud of you.

Short of a Warrior of Light, I can imagine no better adventurer to represent us─and that, my lady, is some compliment!

But I've flattered you enough for one day. And I don't want your head to get too big, or you'll struggle to lug it around the realm. Speaking of which, Eorzea is a big old place.
Now that you have an airship pass, you can really start to broaden your horizons. The sky's quite literally the limit.

Even if your errand didn't call for it, I would strongly suggest visiting the two other city-states of the Alliance before you go anywhere else. They are, of course, Limsa Lominsa, city of pirates, and Ul'dah, jewel of the desert.

Once you've acquainted yourself with them, you can turn your sights on whichever lesser-trodden region takes your fancy.

The Calamity changed the face of Eorzea, and much of her now lies in shadow, beyond man's ken. It's a veritable playground for a wide-eyed adventurer like your good self.
Mind you, it won't all be fun and games.

Each nation faces its fair share of problems, from internal strife to conflict with the beast tribes and their primals. So don't be too surprised if you find yourself embroiled in the odd unsavory situation on your travels.

But no matter what difficulties you encounter, I am confident that you will pull through, and emerge the stronger for the experience.

These are interesting times for Eorzea, Twilight. It's been five years now since the Calamity, but folk are finally beginning to look to the future.
A period of great change is upon us, and you have a part to play in it. And if that prospect doesn't excite you, I don't know what will!"

Twilight bid the eccentric Miounne farewell and travelled down the stairs to Miounne's right.
On the bottom floor a center desk and two gates on either side blocked off the departure lounges. Twilight moved to the Airship receptionist and presented her pass.

Lionnellais: Greetings, good Ma'am. This is the reservation counter for Limsa Lominsa-bound flights.
Lionnellais: Oh, are you not Twilight Sparkle, the Elder Seedseer's personal envoy? We at Highwind Skyways are honored to serve you! Will you be flying with us today?"

"Yes, ofcourse, it's been ages since I flew on an airship."

"Very well this way," the receptionist guided Twilight through.

Airship Attendant: Attention, all passengers: the airship bound for Limsa Lominsa is about to depart. Please make your way to the boarding gate.

Twilight walked down a flight of steps to the Airship and took a seat.
The airship engines started and slowly it floated out before taking off over the forest.

"Farewell, Twilight. One day, minstrels will sing of your deeds. May you ever walk in the light of the Crystal." Mother Miounne said as she watch Twilight fly away.

[Castrum Occidens, Present Day]

[An Empire Airship landed, and revealed Gaius Van Baelsar followed by three distinguished officers: a man in crimson red armor with golden accents, Nero Tol Scaeva, a woman in white armor Livia Sas Junius, and a giant in black armor with a pair of gun gauntlets Rhitahtyn Sas Arvina]

[Narration by Gaius Van Baelsar]
It has been fifteen years, but the bitter taste of defeat lingers still...
Fifteen years since the imperial fleet set course for Mor Dhona, led by Agrius, mightiest of all vessels.
Silvertear Lake lay ripe for the taking, and all of Eorzea would soon be ours...
...or so we believed.
But an innumerable host of dragons met us that day, at the heart of which flew the great Midgardsormr.
Though we succeeded in slaying that lord among wyrms, the dread serpent's defeat was bought at too high a price.
Our invincible flagship was lost, and all hope of victory with her.
So ended our glorious conquest.

[End Scene]

"Eorzea... A blighted realm, riddled with false gods...Twice now it has eluded the Empire's grasp. For all the destruction it wrought, even Meteor, the Great Sin, failed to yield us control over it. And for this failure, the realm has sunk deeper into depravity.It is twisted beyond all reckoning─rotten nigh to the core. Yet it must be saved. Only Garlean rule can bring order to Eorzea. It falls to us to deliver the misguided masses from their ignorance." ???
All: We are of one mind, Lord van Baelsar.

[Somewhere in Castrum Occidens]
"Hey. Is the legatus really planning to take another tilt at Eorzea?" Midlander Engineer said

"Eh!? What hole have you been hiding in? We're in the midst of preparing for a new campaign, and a huge one at that!" Highlander Engineer added

"But...I thought the Emperor had given up the western lands for lost after Carteneau. What could the legatus possibly hope to gain by acting alone?" Midlander Engineer said

"I sense you harbor certain doubts over the wisdom of the legatus's plan." ???
"M-My lord!" Midlander Engineer
"Please, call me Nero. Tell me, where were you born?" Nero Tol Scaeva
"Othard, milord!" Highlander Engineer said quickly
"Ala Mhigo, my lord!" Midlander Engineer said
"Ah, Codename Hummingway, I presume?" Nero Tol Scaeva
Midlander Engineer visibly confused, "I-I don't know what you─"
"Silence. Your denials will not change your fate.
I assure you─Frumentarium sees all." Nero Tol Scaeva

Nero shot the Midlander Engineer
"Argh…" the Midlander Engineer groaned as he died.

"Clean up this mess. And do not miss any, or I shall be most displeased." Nero Tol Scaeva demanded.
"A-At once, milord!" Highlander Engineer
"Garlond... Soon you will be made to know the true power of magitek." Nero Tol Scaeva

Twilight arrived in Limsa Lominsa
"Ah, you must be the envoy from Gridania! Welcome to Limsa Lominsa, my Lady. Admiral Bloefhiswyn awaits your arrival."the Arrivals Attendant welcomed.

"Thank you, I shall make my way to the admiral."
In the Arrivals area past the departure lounges stood a man in red uniform.

"You are the Gridanian envoy? Welcome to Limsa Lominsa." Storm Honor Guard said

"Thank you,"

"The Admiral has been looking forward to your arrival. Please proceed to the Crow's Lift at your earliest convenience. It will take you to Bulwark Hall. Once there, pray speak with Zanthael. He will be pleased to show you in to the Admiral's command room on the Bridge."

Twilight took the Crow's lift down to the Bulwark hall and then moved to the lift attendant Zanthael.

"Greetings, Ma'am, and welcome to our fair city. If you would permit me to examine the seal on the missive you carry…" Zanthael asked

Twilight showed the man the missive.

"Yes, everything seems to be in order. My apologies. We cannot afford to be complacent, you understand. Please, step this way."

"Of course I totally understand,"

"Enter." ??? Said her back turned and looking out the window she turned and looked surprised.

"I did not expect the Gridanian envoy to be an adventurer. It speaks highly of your character that the Elder Seedseer would choose an outsider to represent her nation's interests." Merlwyb said

"This way." She said as she took a seat.
"I bid you welcome. I am Merlwyb Bloefhiswyn, Admiral of Limsa Lominsa, and commander of the Maelstrom. Now, what news from the Black Shroud?"

Twilight handed her the missive addressed to her.

"Hm. A memorial service to honor the fallen.
Seven hells... Has it been five years?
Five years since the Garlean Empire sought to wrest Eorzea from our grasp...

It was in answer to the imperial threat that the city-states formed the Grand Companies, and forged the Eorzean Alliance anew. But Garlemald was not content to wager all on a simple contest of martial might. They had other plans─the Meteor project.

Legatus Nael van Darnus─hells take him─intended to “cleanse” our realm by snatching the lesser moon Dalamud from the heavens and casting it down upon our heads. Desperate to prevent this lunatic scheme, we marched our forces to the Carteneau Flats and there met the VIIth Imperial Legion in battle.

Never have I seen a fight like the Battle of Carteneau─and I have seen full many.
But though we gave no quarter, spared not one onze of effort...we could not prevent what followed."

"From inside the shell of Dalamud came a winged nightmare─a dragon the size of a bloody city. 'Twas the elder primal Bahamut, bent on making an eighth hell of Eorzea.

Followed by another dragon bent on destroying him. In the space of a breath, the legions of the Empire were set aflame, while our own armies fared little better. 'Twas as if the whole world was burning... Words cannot well describe the scene.
And yet...by some miracle, a few among us were spared.

Even as I steeled myself for death, a blinding white light enveloped me, robbing me of my senses. When I regained them, the dragons were gone, and the still-smoldering land was warped beyond all knowing."

Twilight frowned

"Were Archon Louisoix still with us, he would doubtless shed some light on these unfathomable happenings. Alas, he is not, and I fear we will want for his wisdom in the days to come.

For while our nations struggle to recover from the devastation, the beastmen call forth their damned primals to torment us anew.

Unless we put aside our differences and rebuild now, our foes will catch us unprepared.
And I speak not only of the beastmen. Do not imagine that the Empire has forsaken its claim on Eorzea. The imperials crowd our borders, waiting to strike.

"Damn it all, we need champions to replace those we lost… But such thoughts are worse than worthless. Time is short, and none will save us, save ourselves. It is the duty of every soul who survived the Calamity to work together for the good of Eorzea...and this memorial service may be the very thing to unite us.
Aye, Kan-E-Senna has the right of it. I accept her proposal." Merlwyb said writing a letter with a quill and passed it to a messenger.

"Your duty is done here, adventurer─I will see to it that the Elder Seedseer receives my reply.
You travel next to Ul'dah, yes?" Merlwyb smiled

"Pray give my regards to General Raubahn. Oh, and tell him the wolf has been sniffing around the stables. A private jest─and one in poor taste─but I would have you tell it all the same."

Twilight smirked, "will do Admiral"

"Fare you well, Twilight. May the Navigator guide you on your journey.

[Back at the airship dock]

"Greetings, Ma'am. This is the counter for passengers traveling to Ul'dah. A pleasure to serve you again, sir. Are you ready to board the airship to Ul'dah?" L'nophlo asked

"Of course I am,"

[Upon arrival at Ul'dah]

"Ah, you must be the envoy from Gridania! Welcome to Ul'dah, Ma'am. The Flame General awaits your arrival." Arrivals Attendant said

"Welcome to Ul'dah, sir. We have been expecting you. Flame General Raubahn will receive you in the Fragrant Chamber. Please take the lift down to the Hustings Strip and speak with Bartholomew at the Royal Promenade." Flame Honor Guard said as Twilight arrived through the gate.

Following his instructions she stood before Bartholomew

"The Gridanian envoy, I presume? Would you be so good as to allow me to inspect the missive you bear, Ma'am?"

Twilight passed over the missive.

"My thanks. Ah yes, the seal of the Elder Seedseer. Please proceed.

The hulking man from her vision turned to greet Twilight, "Ah, a guest from Gridania. I thought I smelled leaf mold."

"I won't hold it against you. If you're half the warrior Kan-E says, 'tis a wonder you don't reek of dead Ixal."

"Who'd want to smell like those things," Twilight retorted.

"Welcome to the Sultanate of Ul'dah. I am Raubahn Aldynn, General of the Immortal Flames. But you did not come all this way to trade formalities."

"Here's the letter General," Twilight said handing it over.
"...Carteneau. Aye, I remember bloody Carteneau. Do you know what happened that day, adventurer? When we took the field against the Garleans?

"Yes, and she told me to tell you. The wolf has been sniffing around the stables."

"So my counterparts have educated you.
Hm? Oh. Trust Merlwyb to make light of our wolf problem. Woman always did have a black sense of humor." Raubahn shook his head.

"Wolves are bloodthirsty beasts upon which one cannot turn one's back. 'Tis only a matter of time before they bite. So it was with the Garleans, fifty years ago. No sooner had they learned how to use magitek than they began seizing territory from their neighbors. Led by then Legatus Solus zos Galvus, they swiftly brought the other nations of Ilsabard to heel. And so the legatus became an emperor, and his republic an empire...
An empire which then set its sights upon Eorzea.

"But the conquering emperor is now an old man of four score winters. His health is failing, and he has no clear successor. Like as not, this is why the Garleans have been quiet of late." Eline Roaille interjected.

"But the XIVth Imperial Legion is still entrenched within our borders. And their commander, Legatus Gaius van Baelsar, has long harbored ambitions of conquest. Were he to strike now, I fear we would fall like so many others before us. And not only Ul'dah, but Gridania and Limsa Lominsa as well.

For the Calamity brought the lot of us to our knees, and we've yet to get up. We barely have the strength to stand against the beast tribes, never mind the primals they mean to summon.
We are a realm divided, adventurer. An alliance in name only. But the wolf cares not for the plight of its prey. The Garleans stir, and the Admiral would not let it go unnoticed.

All other concerns pale in comparison to the Empire─even the beast tribes and their bloody primals. We must stand united once more, that much is clear. And if we're to do so, we must remember the cause which last brought us together. Kan-E will have her memorial." Raubahn said

"We will honor the memory of the fallen. We will remind the people what their brothers and sisters fought and died for.

"Shall I inform the sultana and the Syndicate?" Eline Roaille.
"I will speak with Her Grace myself." Raubahn rejected her.
"Very good, sir." Eline Roaille replied
"The Elder Seedseer will have my reply anon.
My thanks to you, adventurer."